WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has expanded access for parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), allowing them to stay with their premature babies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The new policy went into effect on November 17, coinciding with World Prematurity Day.

Parents are now free to remain at their baby’s side at all times, a change the hospital says will strengthen the parent–child bond and support recovery.

“These babies may be small, but their strength — and that of their families — is extraordinary,” said neonatologist Dr. Ginette Ecury. “When parents are present and actively involved, it makes a significant difference in a baby’s development and healing.”

Prematurity: a global challenge

Worldwide, one in ten babies is born prematurely. At CMC’s NICU, between 100 and 120 newborns are admitted each year. Of these, 40 to 50 are born before the 32nd week of pregnancy and often require intensive care due to underdeveloped lungs, brain, and immune systems.

Family-centered care

The expanded access aligns with the hospital’s family-centered care philosophy, which promotes parental involvement as a key element of treatment. NICU staff actively encourage skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and participation in daily care routines.

“When parents are present — holding their baby skin-to-skin and helping with daily care — outcomes improve and families feel less isolated,” said Valdemar Maduro, head nurse of the NICU.

With the new policy, CMC aims to provide a more supportive and inclusive environment during what is often a stressful and emotional time for families of premature infants.